Eccleshall 1 - 2 Holker Old boys

Holker Old Boys kicked off the NWCFL season claiming all 3 points to end the 300 miles round trip on a high.

A minutes silence was held before the game to mark the death of Eagles player Declan Hassall, who was tragically killed in a car crash on Wednesday.

Both teams fielded weakened sides due to unavailability, which showed in the early stages of the game with some tentative play.

Eccleshall had the first attempt on goal, with Jack McKay firing over. Then Holker's Billy Moss hit a 20-yard screamer which had Brandon McEleny beaten as it flew past the post.

The game came to life and both keepers were called on to deal with shots. Eccleshall had more of the possession and a great ball from new boy Lukasz Snowicz found Dan Jones at the far post, but he shot wide when a goal looked certain.

Eccleshall took the lead on 21 minutes when Ryan Greene sent a through ball into the box which found Angelo Errico, and his shot beat Holker keeper Oliver Bell via the post.

Then Mark Mapperson let fly and his effort was just over the visitors' bar. Holker started to push Eccleshall back and had a good spell leading up to half time without doing any damage to Eccleshall's slender lead.

Half Time: Eccleshall 1 - Holker 0

Soon after the restart, Holker equalised when they were allowed to run at the Eccleshall defence and David Swarbrick finished a move by placing his shot into the net.

Eccleshall pushed on and Errico fired well over in response.

Holker attacked again, with Brad Hubbold firing one just past the Eccleshall post. Holker took the lead on 55 minutes when Jamie Pattinson hit a rising shot from the edge of the box which went into the top corner, giving McEleny no chance.

The very next minute, McEleny prevented a third when diving to save.

A mistake by Nathan Dyer allowed Swarbrick a chance, but he fired over.

At the other end, Errico had a shot which had no power or direction and was easily collected by Bell.

Eccleshall were forcing their way back into the game but Holker had a chance which was thwarted by a great save from McEleny.

At the other end, Greene hit a volley from distance which went just wide.

A free-kick from the right was then sent in by Greene, but Hughes got under it and his header cleared the bar. Eccleshall shuffled the pack but their efforts failed to disturb the Holker defence.

Full Time: Eccleshall 1 - Holker 2

HOB Team: Olie Bell, James Bonner, Guy Heffernan, Billy Moss, John-Paul Stanway, Brad Hubbold, Martin Grundy, Jamie Pattinson, Gaz Smith, Dave Swarbrick, Mike Rushton.

Substitutes (All Used): Stu Pattinson, Calum Fawcett, Troy Magee.

Match Report Credit to:
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